Super catalytic antibody [I]: Decomposition of targeted protein by its antibody light chain

Obtaining an antibody capable of destroying a targeted protein is the event ual goal in developing superior catalytic antibody. We established a monocl onal antibody recognizing a highly conserved sequence, RGPDRPEGIEEEGGERDRD, of gp41 of the HIV-1 envelope. The obtained antibody reacted with gp41 and gp160 of HIV-1. The isolated and purified light chain not only decomposed the above antigenic peptide but also destroyed the gp41 molecule, indicatin g a novel ability. The decomposition of the antigen is presumably started b y scission of the peptide bond between Arg-Gly in the above sequence. The L ight chain did not decompose BSA and HSA at all, showing the high specifici ty to antigens. The antibody light chain is referred to as a super catalyti c antibody.